Blake Lively, star of the hit film It Ends With Us, has moved to withdraw her headline-grabbing emotional distress claims against co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
This twist comes just months after Lively accused Baldoni of creating a toxic set and causing “severe emotional harm” to her and her family during filming in late 2024.
BLAKE LIVELY VS BALDONI
Court documents reveal that Lively is attempting to drop her claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
These were the heart of her lawsuit, which painted a picture of humiliation, frustration, and mental anguish on set.
But why the sudden change? Baldoni’s legal team demanded access to Lively’s medical and therapy records to challenge her claims, according to Variety.
BLAKE LIVELY DROPS CLAIMS
Instead of handing over these deeply personal documents, Lively’s lawyers notified the court she would withdraw the distress claims.
Lively wants to drop the claims “without prejudice”—meaning she could refile them later. Baldoni’s team isn’t having it.
They insist the claims should be dismissed “with prejudice,” slamming the door on any future attempts. As Baldoni’s lawyer put it, “Ms. Lively cannot have it both ways”.
BALDONI’S CLAIMS
Baldoni is suing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist for a jaw-dropping $400 million (about R7.8 billion).
He claims Lively orchestrated a smear campaign and defamed him, destroying his career and reputation.
“They are trying to shift the narrative,” Lively’s lawyers counter, accusing Baldoni of using the courts to silence her after she spoke out about alleged harassment.
Baldoni’s talent agency, WME, which also represents Lively and Reynolds, dropped him as a client.
The agency’s decision came as scrutiny over the allegations mounted, putting the production and everyone involved under a harsh spotlight.
THE CASE
The case has echoes of our celebrity legal dramas, where privacy, dignity, and public perception collide.
Lively’s reluctance to hand over her medical records will resonate with many who value personal boundaries, while the sheer size of Baldoni’s counterclaim is enough to make anyone’s jaw drop.
Either way, the legal battle is far from over. The trial is set for March 2026, and both stars are digging in for a long fight.
Representatives for both Lively and Baldoni have declined to comment. For now, the world will be watching as this blockbuster courtroom showdown unfolds.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU THINK THIS CASE WILL HAVE ON FUTURE HOLLYWOOD PRODUCTIONS?
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